John Alker (1775[1]–1850[2]) or simply Alker of Wigan, was a renowned long case clock and pocket watch maker and member of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers[3] active in Wigan, Lancashire.[4]
John Alker | |
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Born | 15 April 1775 Wigan, Lancashire |
Died | July 1850 Wigan, Lancashire |
Occupation | Clock and watch maker |
Years active | 1794-1832 |
John Alker, son of James Alker, was baptised on the 15th of April 1775 at All Saints' Church, Wigan.[1] He was first recorded as a clockmaker in his marriage to Margaret Hickman in 1794.[5] John and Margaret would go on to have six children together, with several also becoming reputed clock and watch makers, before her death of consumption in 1808.[6]
From their storefront on Market Place in central Wigan, John and his family would craft intricate longcase clocks for use in the home and large turret clocks for public spaces.[7][8] In 1813 he installed one such turret clock at St Wilfrid's Church in Ribchester.[9]
John was described as having a preference for the newer fashions of his time, as shown through his use of painted dials.[10] A number of his clocks survive, and frequently present features of special interest.[11] One of his longcase clocks, dated to around 1830, was featured on Antiques Roadshow and valued between £7,000 and £10,000.
John passed away at his home in Scholes and was buried on the 14th July 1850 at All Saints' Church, Wigan.[2]
John Alker began a legacy of clock and watch manufacturing within his family, spanning over 100 years. The original storefront in Wigan was in operation from at least 1794[5] to 1860,[12] being run by John and subsequently his sons and extended family. Eventually expanding to a second store in Chorley that was active until the late 1800's.[13]
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Media related to John Alker at Wikimedia Commons